Highway Department

Union County Highway System

Load Restrictions

Effective 3/1/2023

7 tons per axle weight limits were placed on all asphalt surfaced highways,

as well as gravel surfaced roads #1G (307 Street, between 481 Avenue & River Road),

#14 (304 Street, between SD Hwy 11 & River Road) and

#27 (481 Avenue, between SD 46 & CR#13 [302 Street]).

NOTICE

Under the authority of SDCL 32-22-24, a Highway Maintaining Authority may restrict loads on their highways.  The purpose of the load restrictions is to protect the highways from break-up during the spring thaw.  Seasonal climatic changes can be detrimental to our highways.  The Union County Board of Commissioners desires to protect existing Union County Highways, ultimately saving tax dollars.

Please be advised that the annual spring load limits may be applied at any time and may stay on through April 30.  The actual date the limits are put on and taken off is determined by weather and roadway conditions.  The limits will be enforced upon the placing of the load limit signs.

The 7-ton axle weight limit is applicable to wagons as well as motorized vehicles.

Overweight and over width permits will not be issued while spring restrictions are in effect.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Union County Board of Commissioners

Union County Highway Department

Union County Sheriff

NOTICE TO UNION COUNTY RESIDENTS

DETRIMENTAL USE OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY ALONG COUNTY HIGHWAYS IS ILLEGAL

 Instances have come to the attention of the Union County Highway Department of violations of South Dakota Codified Law 31-32-3.1, entitled INTENTIONAL DUMPING ON HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PROHIBITED.  This statute applies to all public highways, all County Highways, and Township Roads.  The piling of snow on County Highways, or within the Right-of-Way thereof, causes a serious hazard to the traveling public and constitutes a Class 1 misdemeanor.  These piles of snow can cause serious injuries or fatalities if struck by a vehicle.  They also cost the County funds to remove or push back.  Because the piles of snow can become very solid, and at times contain debris, serious damage to County snow removal equipment can occur.

The County can recover the cost of equipment damage from the individual responsible for the snow piles, SDCL 31-32-9.  In addition, the person performing this misdemeanor also may be legally liable in the event of a vehicle accident.  Please remove or flatten any piles you may have placed on public highways, as well as refrain from piling snow in the future.

UNION COUNTY COMMISSION

UNION COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

Rural Access Infrastructure information is available at the following link:

South Dakota Association Towns and Township (sdtownships.com)